Tactile Feedback for Joystick Position/Speed Controls

Abstract

The present invention includes a control system with a joystick controller for controlling the direction and speed of one or more controlled systems, such as a boom lift platform or the vehicle on which it rides. The joystick is neutrally-biased and effects a null velocity of the controlled system when the joystick is positioned in a neutral position. The joystick controller has motors, or the like, that provide intuitive tactile feedback to the joystick operator. The tactile feedback includes biasing the joystick away from the neutral position according to the controlled system's actual direction and speed but without generating a commanded direction and speed based on the biased position.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY TO PRIOR APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 217,552, filed on Jun. 1, 2009, entitled “Tactile Feedback for Joystick Position / Speed Controls”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]Many aspects of this invention relate in general to proportional joystick speed controls for powered movers and, more particularly, to comprehensive systems and methods for providing an operator with feedback related to the actual speed of the object(s) being moved or the platform, bucket or the like that supports it. Some aspects of the invention also relate to the machines, systems, applications, components, and methods associated with such proportional speed controls.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]Powered movers can be found in a huge variety of applications, from forklifts, backhoes, excavators ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Known feedback technology helps, but more has long been needed. Overriding objects of the present inventions also include providing speed control systems, components and methods that facilitate and adjust, based on an accurate yet responsive position control system.

[0011]The present invention is just the answer for many of the unmet needs that have plagued the prior art—aspects of the invention allowing precise yet smooth speed control with tactile feedback that is intuitively interpreted and adjusted by the user of the joystick speed control. Applicant is thought to have developed a reliable way to control the operation of neutrally-biased j

Problems solved by technology

Overshooting the intended position can be hazardous, particularly when that position is close to a structure that can be damaged if impacted by the boom-lift platform.

Without sophisticated controls that are common today, platform movements can be very jerky.

On the other hand, because of the grea

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